International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Secretariat on Tuesday (3 February) said it was informed by Port of Rotterdam that the Inspectorate for Environment and Transport in Netherlands is planning for the port to strictly enforce the rules for fuel oil sampling (the MARPOL sample) on board the receiving vessel via drip sampling to conform with ISO 13739.

“If both parties agree on a different sample point (that is other than the receiving vessel’s manifold), then the Inspectorate will have to be informed, and can issue a waiver,” IBIA secretariat stated. 

“Other samples may be taken via the bunker barge sample point.”

All seal (numbers) and counter seals have to be noted on the BDN.

“As this rule is not currently standard practice in ARA, the Dutch Inspectorate are initially expected to be flexible, but are likely to start to enforce this rule during this year and no later than the beginning of 2026,” it added. 

This will coincide with the obligation of  mass flow meter (MFM). 

Manifold Times previously reported that the use of a bunker measurement system for bunker vessels in the ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam will be mandatory from 1 January 2026.

Related: MFM bunker measurement system to be mandatory in Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 5 February, 2025

TFG Marine, the international marine fuel joint venture founded by Trafigura, Frontline and Golden Ocean on Thursday (16 January) said it has established a bunker fuel joint venture with Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) to supply vessels visiting Oman’s ports of Duqm, Muscat and Sohar.

TFG-OOMCO LLC, incorporated in Oman, will combine the local knowledge of OOMCO with the international footprint, sourcing of all grades of marine fuels, infrastructure and logistics capability of TFG Marine, to offer customers a reliable and transparent bunkering provider in the Arabian Gulf.

Tarik Al Junaidi, CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company, said: “This partnership aligns with Oman Oil Marketing Company’s efforts to develop the maritime transport and shipping infrastructure in Oman, which is in alignment with the objectives Oman Vision 2040.”

“It underscores our commitment to meeting the increasing demand of compliant, high-quality marine grades of fuel while adhering to the highest international health, safety, and environmental standards.”

“Through our partnership with TFG Marine, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and the implementation of global best practices in fuel bunkering, we strive to lead towards excellence and sustainability in the bunker fuel business in the Sultanate’s ports.”

Mark Russell, Chief Commercial Officer, TFG Marine, said: “This is TFG Marine’s first venture in the Middle East and we look forward to serving our customers in this region. Oman has a rich history as a maritime nation and is well located close to the main shipping routes connecting the Arabian Gulf and the Indian subcontinent with the rest of the world.”

The announcement follows the signing of an MOU agreement between SOHAR Port and Freezone and TFG Marine, to establish an international bunker fuel supply operation. 

TFG Marine has already deployed bunker vessel Margherita Cosulich to the region to supply vessels at SOHAR’s deep-sea port. The vessel is fitted with a Mass Flow Meter (MFM), calibrated to the ISO 22192 international standard as required by SOHAR Port. SOHAR Port in February 2024 announced a mandate on the alignment of ISO 22192 standards ‘Bunkering of marine fuel using the Coriolis MFM system’ for all marine fuel supply operations within the port.

TFG Marine added it has long been an advocate of the global adoption of calibrated MFMs to bring much-needed transparency to bunkering and encouraging digitalisation in the long-term interests of the bunker industry and helping to further the decarbonisation goals of the shipping industry.

Related: TFG Marine to establish international bunker fuel supply op at SOHAR Port
Related: TFG Marine completes first bunker fuel delivery with “Margherita Cosulich” barge
Related: Metcore signs agreement with SOHAR Port and Freezone for MFM implementation support

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 17 January, 2025

Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee on Friday (10 January) said Zhoushan, the fourth largest bunkering port of the world, delivered 7.26 million metric tonnes (mt) of marine fuel in 2024.

This marked about a 3% increase from 7.04 million mt in 2023. 

The committee also highlighted the progress Zhoushan Port has made in the past year including actively planning to build an alternative fuel bunkering centre.

It has successfully obtained approval for the national biodiesel promotion and application pilot project. The construction of a project to produce an annual 1 million mt of marine biodiesel has begun.

The first methanol vehicle-to-ship pilot was carried out, and the first methanol bunkering barge in Zhoushan was officially built and is expected to be put into use by the end of 2025.

The port has also improved the fuel supply efficiency of various bunkering anchorages in Zhoushan including Tiaozhumen Anchorage adding three bunkering anchorages on top of the original five and has successfully carried out night bunkering operations. 

Xiushandong and Mazhi anchorages have added a total of three new bonded bunkering anchorages, which can implement all-weather and fully automatic anchorage reservations, and provide advance reservations and priority refueling services for large ships and large orders.

The committee also highlighted Dong Fang Zhao Yang becoming the first domestic bunkering barge to obtain the mass flow meter system certification under the ISO22192:2021 standard. The barge conducted a successful pilot for the bunkering of bonded fuel oil using a mass flow meter at Xiushandong Anchorage on 9 December. 

A spokesperson of the committee said Zhoushan will focus on promoting alternative bunker fuels such as biofuel and LNG and accelerating the completion of methanol refuelling safety assessments.

Related: IPEC 2024: Zhoushan port records 7.04 million mt annual bunker volume for 2023
Related: China: Zhoushan Port launches night bunkering ops in Tiaozhoumen outer anchorage
Related: China: Zhoushan shortlisted for national pilot project to promote biodiesel bunker fuel
Related: China: Zhoushan completes pilot bonded bunkering op with mass flow meter

Photo credit: Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee
Published: 14 January, 2025